Health and Care

Maintaining a healthy flock is one of the most important aspects of caring for chicken and other types of poultry and producing quality products. Penn State Extension offers a rich resource of information on common chicken diseases like Marek’s disease and Avian influenza, as well as chicken parasites like chicken mites and chicken lice.

Common Chicken Diseases

One exhaustive resource on chicken health and caring for chickens is the Poultry Health Handbook which offers detailed information about a number of common chicken diseases and their prevention. The guide will prove especially useful for flock owners and managers as well as workers in poultry facilities. Small-scale growers can view the video series on respiratory diseases in small flocks detailing the most common disease symptoms, getting help for affected birds, and disease prevention.

Preventing the spread of chicken respiratory infections is a key consideration in all flocks, especially large ones where the density of the birds is high. Growers can attend a seminar on the most common poultry respiratory diseases. Hatchery managers, supervisors and team members can also choose to take part in the Northeast Hatchery Conference which has a strong focus on biosecurity.

Avian influenza in chickens is a significant issue that growers with flocks of all sizes need to consider very seriously. The disease can cause chicken respiratory infection and in some cases can lead to significant losses for growers. Penn State extension offers a host of information on understanding and managing Avian influenza in chickens.

There are different strains of the virus, divided broadly into low pathogenic and highly pathogenic strains. Backyard and small flock poultry owners can consult a video about the symptoms and spread of highly pathogenic Avian influenza. Cases of infected birds transmitting the virus to humans are rare; however, it is possible for humans in close proximity to sick birds to get infected as well. A video guide with the measures that growers need to take if they suspect they have been infected with Avian influenza is available here.

Avian coryza is a contagious chicken respiratory infection, caused by bacteria, which occurs in some parts of the US. Vaccines are available to contain localized outbreaks of the disease. Marek’s disease is a highly contagious illness in chickens, significantly affecting chicken health and leading to high mortality. With any type of disease or condition affecting chicken lifespan and quality of life, timely action is key. Professional growers and backyard farmers can find a list of facilities - university diagnostic laboratories, veterinarians, and specialist hotlines - where they can seek help and receive advice on chicken care.

Poultry Dust, Mites, and Other Poultry Pests

Poultry lice, mites, flies and beetles are some common pests that producers need to consider in order to protect the health and wellbeing of their flocks. Detailed information on all common pests and the strategies to contain them is available in the article Pest Management Recommendations for Poultry.

Lesser mealworm beetles are one example of a pest that needs to be tightly controlled. These insects can multiply rapidly and carry disease pathogens that cause conditions like Marek’s disease and salmonella in poultry. Facility operators and managers can find information on the biology and behavior of Lesser mealworm beetles, as well as guidance on how to monitor them effectively and use chemical and biological control methods.

Chicken Biosecurity

Biosecurity management is an important approach that protects flocks and can help prevent common chicken diseases. Penn State Extension offers resources on testing and screening for pathogens, chicken vaccinations, quarantine of infected animals and other methods to prevent the spread of disease. Additional resources are available in recommendations on how to implement the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system which contains valuable tips on containing the spread of salmonella in poultry and preventing the contamination of eggs with salmonella.

Producers will benefit significantly from a well-functioning poultry flock plan which can be an indispensable tool for emergency preparedness. Experts can view a video with practical demonstrations on how to conduct blood tests in chickens, restrain the birds, and handle blood samples.

Proper disposal of poultry carcasses is essential in terms of limiting the spread of contagious disease. Information on all approved disposal methods in Pennsylvania is available in a topical video.